Wetsuit and Kicking

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abstract1

2009-09-09 2:17 PM

Regular

Rochester

Subject: Wetsuit and Kicking

This being my first year of tris, I have followed the advice of others and kept the kicking to a minimum in my first 4 races, so that I could save my legs for the bike/run. Last weekend I competed in a 1 mile swim and found that I wanted to kick more, but the buoyancy of the wetsuit made it hard to kick (legs were already on top of water). I have one race left this year and would like to bring all that I have. I know that I can get a faster swim time with more kicking and with my conditioning level have plenty left to complete the race at a high level. Does anyone have any kicking technique suggestions for me?

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E=H2O

2009-09-09 5:01 PM

in reply to: #2397209

Master

1325

Lake Oswego, OR

Subject: RE: Wetsuit and Kicking

I am not a big fan of kicking in OW races with or without a wetsuit. Kicking in a .5 to 1 mile race could be advantageous if you are not wearing a wetsuit, but after that I think the large muscle groups in your legs start consuming too much of a person's energy. With a wetsuit a relaxed 2 beat cross over will probably do you just fine.

Edited by E=H2O 2009-09-09 5:03 PM

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Beanster

2009-09-09 6:39 PM

in reply to: #2397209

Veteran

173

S.E Asia

Subject: RE: Wetsuit and Kicking

If you have good body position without a wetsuit, when you are wearing one your legs feel so high you can't really kick properly. A remedy for this is to lift your head slightly (look more forward than down) This will help drop the legs slightly, so you can get a purchase on the water with your kick. (Don't do it when swimming without a wetsuit though as it will mess up your stroke!!!

As an aside, you don't want to kick too much anyway, a good two beat kick to initiated rotation is enough.

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ENP

2009-09-09 6:59 PM

in reply to: #2397209